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Risa L.
Scout
ScoutMono Basin Dispersed Camp Site
Scenic overlook of Mono Lake not far off hwy 395, but very quiet and peaceful. Can be very windy though.
Dispersed Camping near Toms Place, CA
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Dispersed camping near Toms Place, California encompasses several BLM and Inyo National Forest areas, with many sites featuring natural hot springs. Free primitive camping can be found along Benton Crossing Road, near Crab Cooker Hotsprings, Hilltop Hot Springs, and throughout Volcanic Tableland BLM land. Most sites provide no amenities but allow camping in previously used clearings with minimal impact requirements. The area includes multiple hot spring locations that serve as popular landmarks for campers seeking thermal features in a remote setting.
Access roads to most dispersed sites require high clearance vehicles, with many campers reporting rough, rutted conditions on unpaved routes. Several hot spring areas like Crab Cooker have narrow approach roads that larger vehicles may find challenging. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days on most public lands in the region. No drinking water is available at any sites, and campers must pack out all trash. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many sites allowing campfires when conditions permit. Cell service ranges from limited to nonexistent across most locations.
The landscape offers expansive views of the Eastern Sierra mountains and volcanic features. Campers frequently note the stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "Great views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon," reported one visitor to Crab Cooker Hotsprings. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with one camper noting they "woke up to snow" during a late March stay. Hot springs provide unique recreation, though accessibility and temperature vary throughout the year. Several reviewers mentioned cattle roaming freely through some camping areas, particularly near Rock Tub Hot Springs. Weekends see increased visitation at popular hot spring locations, with one camper noting Hilltop Hot Springs had "lot of people and cars in and out all afternoon until dark."
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Toms Place (59)
1. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
"4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees."
"About 8 spots at the end of the dirt road. Only one bar of service. It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft."
2. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
"This BLM land is managed by the Bishop Field Office. There are many clearings where you can find a spot to camp."
"Easy drive to Bishop for supplies, and the free dump & water fill at the Speedway at the other end of town is really nice. The road in is fairly washboarded, but manageable."
3. BLM Road to Hot Springs
"The 0.5 mile gravel road has washboards and potholes but it’s short and offers at least a handful of pullouts for flat parking/camping."
"Winter doesn’t have as many open dispersed camping area near mammoth as summer so it’s good for that"
4. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
"Our Tacoma made it to the campsites toward the back of the grounds just fine, but there was access closer to the main road for vehicles without high clearance."
"Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles. All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."
5. Eastern Sierra Flats Dispersed
"Road was a little bumpy but I made it in my stock crosstrek, but you get to a very open circle and no one around but close to traffic like 10 min away !"
6. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
"Got here on Sunday - plenty of spots to park the camper van both Sunday and Monday. Multiple turn offs on the Scenic Loop road to camp at. No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings."
"As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites!"
7. Hilltop Hot Springs
"There is a small parking lot & a turn around for cars, it’s not as “dispersed” as advertised."
"We showed up around 3 am and the main loop was taken so we slept in the little parking lot for the hot springs."
8. Rock Tub Hot Springs
"It has shade much the day because of the way it’s situated on a sort of hill. Any damage mentioned in the 2025 reviews has been repaired.
There are two camping areas besides the main parking area."
9. McGee Creek
"May 2023- We happened upon this place through "the dyrt" and what a hidden jewel! We camped right next to the stream and stayed one night and it was peaceful and far away from any highway."
"Such a great spot and close to a lot of the local hiking. Nice and flat areas for van parking. Some occasional noise from the road but not bothersome at all."
10. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
"You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area."
"We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 57 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 5 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 27 min from Fresno, CA
- 5 hrs 36 min from Merced, CA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Toms Place, CA
109 Photos of 59 Toms Place Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Hilltop Hot SpringsE
Rock Tub Hot Springs
BLM Road to Hot Springs
Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
Shepherd Hot Springs
Lake Virginia Dispersed
Duck Lake Dispersed
Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Campingm
McGee Creek
Owens Road Fire Road Dispersed CampsiteG
Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
Dispersed Camping Near Owen's River RoadR
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Toms Place, CA
180 Reviews of 59 Toms Place Campgrounds
- AAbby S.
GuideOwens River Road Dispersed
There is so many spots back here! We stayed a bit closer to 395 and it was easy to navigate with a 26’ RV. We had initially looked for a spot on the Mammoth side of the highway but found this dirt roads more level and open for the RV. Lovely minus some sort of small critter kept waking me up in the night.
- JJeff C.
TravelerBLM Road to Hot Springs
The 0.5 mile gravel road has washboards and potholes but it’s short and offers at least a handful of pullouts for flat parking/camping. There’s nothing around except high desert views of the mountains and nearby hot springs. The signs indicate a 14-day camping limit.
- AAbby S.Guide
Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
Didn’t stay at this exact spot but a bit farther down Casa Diablo road. First few spots were occupied but spread out. Super peaceful. Road was in good condition late Oct 2026 and fine for 26’ RV. 5G AT&T service.
Loic L.ScoutMono Basin Dispersed Camp Site
First spot with a 22 feet TT. No problem, amazing view
Beverley G.GuideOwens River Road Dispersed
It can get busy but there are a lot of camping spots in this area
I've camped here several times in the last few months and it got real busy over holiday periods. Now, the first week of October, it is wonderful. I have a beautiful camping spot and it's really quiet, hardly anyone coming by in the day. In summer months it can get tedious with off road vehicles creating dust and noise. But there are so many places to camp here - depending on the size of your set-up and how far you're willing to leave the main road. There's no facilities here, pack it in and pack it out. Let's keep this place beautiful!
Katherine C.TravelerWarren Fork Trailhead
Free spot near Tuolumne climbing
A small gravel lot good for car camping. Little to no privacy as it’s more or less just a big circle. Beautiful view back down the canyon.
- Jules D.Guide
Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
Excellent camping nearby, hot spring mixed.
Crab Cooker seems to be empty or cold about as often as it’s functioning. While I was camping nearby, I often went on to Shepard due to Crab Cooker conditions.
The parking lot is City of LA, no overnight parking. But just before you pass the property of LA sign there’s a stellar camping loop to the right.
- Jules D.Guide
Rock Tub Hot Springs
Lovely hot tub
The Rock is a small hot tub, and not as hot as some of the others. It has shade much the day because of the way it’s situated on a sort of hill.
Any damage mentioned in the 2025 reviews has been repaired.
There are two camping areas besides the main parking area. One is past the spring and partially flooded with the drain off. The other is a little pull out on the way down to the spring. Both are lovely as long as you don’t expect any privacy in the space.
There is quite a bit of traffic, tho most people seem to leave without even getting in the tub.
I’m confused about the cover photo on this listing, because this location is nowhere near pavement.
Guide to Toms Place
Dispersed camping near Toms Place is concentrated around several BLM areas with hot springs access, primarily along Benton Crossing Road off Highway 395. Crab Cooker Hotsprings offers free sites with mountain views and access to natural hot springs, though the dirt roads require high clearance vehicles in some sections. Eastern Sierra Flats and Volcanic Tableland provide additional free camping options with varying terrain. According to one visitor, "Road was a little bumpy but I made it in my stock crosstrek, but you get to a very open circle and no one around."
Most dispersed sites permit fires (when no restrictions are in place) and allow pets, but lack facilities including toilets, trash service, and potable water. Sites near hot springs like Hilltop tend to experience more day traffic. A review mentioned, "Night time was quiet, but definitely lots of visitors during the day for the hot springs." The 14-day camping limit applies to these off-grid campsites. Many areas experience significant wind, especially in open flats with little natural protection. Vehicles with adequate ground clearance will access more remote spots with less competition from other campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any established campgrounds near Toms Place for non-dispersed camping?
Are there any established campgrounds near Toms Place for non-dispersed camping?
For those preferring established campgrounds rather than dispersed camping near Toms Place, McGee Creek offers a developed camping experience. In the surrounding area, you'll find Laurel Springs Campground, which features designated sites though the access road may be challenging for large rigs (better suited for small vans and cars with some clearance). These established campgrounds typically offer more amenities than dispersed sites, potentially including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Be aware that many established campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra region operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months, and may require reservations during peak summer season.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Toms Place, CA?
Where can I find dispersed camping near Toms Place, CA?
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Toms Place in the Eastern Sierra. Owens River Road Dispersed offers numerous spots along a paved main road with various offshoots suitable for different vehicle types, including spots accessible for larger RVs. For those seeking mountain views, Mono Lake South Dispersed provides camping options on USFS and BLM land surrounding Mono Lake, with clear signage indicating where camping is permitted (above the 1941 water line). Most dispersed sites in the area have a 14-day maximum stay, require pack-in/pack-out waste management, and may have seasonal fire restrictions. High clearance vehicles are recommended for many locations, and it's advisable to check current road conditions before visiting.
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Toms Place, CA?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Toms Place, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Toms Place, CA is Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Toms Place, CA?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Toms Place, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 dispersed camping locations near Toms Place, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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